Eva Hrncirova, a spokesman for the European Commission for Health, explains measures to tackle the growing threat of AMR in both the EU and the world.
More than 35,000 people die from antibiotic-resistant infections throughout the European Union (EU), Iceland and Norway each year. Antibiotic resistance (AMR) issues also have important economic consequences, placing a specific financial burden on the health sector.
Recognizing the severity of this issue, the Commission and member states have identified AMR as one of the top three priorities threats for 2022. Increased resistance is predicted to result in an estimated 10 million deaths worldwide each year, and the European Union has implemented a series of actions with the goal of dramatically reducing the threat of AMR.
The Innovation Platform spoke to Eva Hrncirova, the European Commission’s spokesman for Health, to learn what these actions are and how they fit into global priorities for addressing AMR.
Why is the EU so important to AMR?
Executing its effects on antibiotic resistance is important to addressing the growth of resistance to antibiotics, including antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance can lead to increased distress and death in both humans and animals that cannot be effectively treated due to infections. This resistance also promotes medical costs and increases social burden due to increased treatment durations and lower productivity. Furthermore, on a global scale, antibiotic resistance poses a threat to food production, food security, food safety and economic competitiveness.
Regarding efforts to address AMR, what are the main objectives and initiatives of the Commission?
The European Commission has been working on the emergence and spread of AMR for 20 years, implementing both legislation and various aid measures to assist Member States in addressing this important issue.
This focused effort has positioned the EU as a global leader in AMR management, shaping a global agenda to encourage other countries and regions to adopt best practices, with key objectives such as research, development and innovation.
For example, our joint action on antibiotic resistance and healthcare-related infectious diseases (JAMRAI) is one of the key initiatives supported by the European Commission to support EU member states in implementing national action plans for AMR. It provides a collaborative platform to share best practices, set goals and enhance careful antibiotic use and strategy implementation to mitigate AMR. Through this initiative, the EU aims to ensure that member states work together to effectively deal with AMR and work together to reduce the threat posed by resistant infections in both human and animal health.
How do these actions align with global goals?
Efforts to fight AMR are built on a shared pillar embraced by both the EU and the global community, particularly against antibiotic resistance. These pillars rely on one health, sector approach, including raising awareness about AMR, promoting responsible and careful use of antibiotics, implementing precautions to reduce the risk of infections, and increasing knowledge through access to data that supports effective and accurate interventions. Furthermore, investment in the development of new therapies and antibiotics remains important.
The EU goals align with global goals and play an active role in all of these areas. Not only does it advocate at international forums, it also contributes financially, sharing knowledge and best practices with the world.
What are the important research and innovative activities that will help address the EU AMR threat?
The EU is actively involved in numerous research and innovation activities to tackle AMR.
Horizon Europe, the flagship research and innovation program, funds projects related to AMR and focuses on the development of new antibiotics, diagnostics and alternative therapies.
The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), a public-private partnership between the EU and the pharmaceutical industry, further supports joint projects to accelerate the development of new therapies and diagnostics.
The EU will also work actively with other countries and organizations to coordinate and promote AMR research globally through the global AMR R&D hub, which includes 15 countries, the European Commission and two charities, and collaborate and promote AMR research through the Joint Programming Initiative on Antibacterial Resistance (JPIAMR). In 2023, JPIAMR awarded 17 projects ranging from 28 million euros to 17 projects, including 93 partners from 23 countries.
Both initiatives illustrate the EU’s dedication to promoting international cooperation and innovation to effectively address AMR.
Can you elaborate on AMR Europe’s one health action plan for antibiotic resistance?
To address the first AMR of 2011, the EU adopted two main AMRs, focusing primarily on human and veterinary medicine, and the current two “One Health Action Plans” in 2017.
The 2017 Action Plan remains active and continues to guide the EU’s policy on AMR. It adds to the environmental aspect and has a more holistic international perspective.
This reflects lessons learned from the initial plan of action and strengthens AMR’s EU leadership. Its success lies in promoting global cooperation with EU member states.
Future initiatives focus on improving surveillance, promoting innovation, and maintaining one health approach to addressing AMR in a comprehensive way.
Can you explain in detail about the work of antibiotic resistance?
Our AMR One Health Network is a joint platform that combines representatives of all 27 EU member states and stakeholders to tackle AMR through one health approach. It promotes coordination and collaboration by sharing information, best practices and strategies across the sector. Members include national ministries officials and stakeholders from international organizations, industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The network holds semi-annual meetings to discuss progress, share experiences, coordinate national action plans, and provide a platform to present initiatives, challenges and successes in its AMR efforts.
How do you measure progress on AMR reduction?
The EU aims to reduce antibiotic consumption in the human health sector by 2030 by 20% as part of a broader strategy to suppress antibiotic resistance.
To support this goal, the EU has established a non-binding, recommended goal developed in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These targets focus on reducing overall antibiotic consumption, prioritizing the use of antibiotics from the Access Group for human health, and minimizing bloodstream infections caused by resistant pathogens. The EU is helping member states get there with support measures, including funding through the EU4Health programme and technical assistance through technical support measures (TSI).
The EU remains committed to meeting its goals through its focus on ongoing collaboration and national efforts.
For more information about the current situation, see the latest ECDC data.
This article will also be featured in the 22nd edition of Quarterly Publication.
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